White House officials and President Biden’s allies criticized The Wall Street Journal after it reported on Biden’s performance in private meetings, alleging signs of decline.
Democrats defended Biden, arguing the story relied mainly on Republican accounts, including former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. White House aides circulated a segment from MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” where hosts called the article a hit piece.
The Journal’s report, based on interviews with 45 people, cited Biden reading from notes and occasionally deferring questions to aides. Critics noted the only strong public criticism came from McCarthy, who has since left Congress.
